Home to a highly diverse business community , Freeport and Stephenson County provide work and career opportunities in insurance , manufacturing , healthcare and the food production industry , among others .
Stephenson County works diligently with manufacturing and value-added agriculture markets to provide infrastructure and support to these important sectors .
Freeport counts numerous Fortune 500 companies as employers , and some headquartered here , including Newell Rubbermaid , Metlife , Titan Tire , Furst McNess , and Honeywell .
Our region places a significant emphasis on nurturing entrepreneurs and small businesses with services provided by the Greater Freeport Partnership and workforce development with initiatives established with Highland Community College , Freeport School District # 145 , The Workforce Connection and other job readiness programs .
Several employment agencies in the area pride themselves in matching job skills with a variety of company openings in manufacturing , professional careers , and service work . If you are looking to explore options to start up something new , the Small Business Development Center can provide guidance along the way .
Stephenson County was established by German settlers who were traveling west from Pennsylvania and found their way by stagecoach to a beautiful area they began to call home in 1838 . The community grew rapidly with agricultural and industrial ambitions and drew enough attention that it was the site of the second Lincoln-Douglas Debate for the US Senate seat from Illinois .
Fast forward 200 years and Stephenson County maintains its claim for industrious , hardworking people who continue to innovate and change . A wide range of opportunities make Stephenson County an attractive option to continue your career or enter a growing job market .
INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
Value-Added Agriculture
Manufacturing Healthcare Insurance
WORKFORCE BY INDUSTRY
Manufacturing - 19 %
Education and Health Services - 16 %
Government - 16 %
Trade , Transportation & Utilities - 14 %